What’s going into Somerville’s Assembly Square?

Assembly Row is a new $1.5 billion complex in the Assembly Square section of Somerville. Construction began on its first two buildings in March. The project will create a neighborhood of offices, stores, restaurants, homes, a hotel, and new MBTA station along the Mystic River. Here is a look at what's expected in the area.

Assembly Row's developer, Federal Realty Investment Trust, said last year that it plans to include dozens of outlet stores among the retail offerings at the 45-acre complex. About 50 outlets are planned in the first phase of work. The massive Somerville project will cater to Boston-area shoppers that are tired of trekking to the suburbs for bargains on popular brands.
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Justine Hunt / Globe Staff

The furniture giant Ikea decided not to build its planned store in Assemby Row, the company announced on Thursday. The company believes its current store in Stoughton is sufficient for the state.

Left: Police officers directed drivers to the IKEA store in Stoughton in 2005.
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Elkus Manfredi Architects

The proposed Assembly Row apartment buildings by AvalonBay Communities Inc. will have 448 rental units. According to the developers, the 470,000 square feet site is one of the largest residential real estate projects under construction in the Boston area. Overall, the Assembly project is expected to have 2,050 housing units and a 200-room hotel.
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Developers proposed 1.75 million square feet of office space for Assembly Row. An office building from the second phase of construction will include office space built for company’s needs. The development is only in the early phase.
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Federal Realty Investment Fund

The property is expected to offer nighttime attractions of restaurants with outdoor seating and a movie theater. AMC Theatres plans to open a 12-screen movie complex in the area. The theater was the first major retail tenant to commit to opening. Its expected opening is fall 2013.
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Federal Realty Investment Fund

A view of the area's Main Street, where people will gather to dine and shop.
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Federal Realty Investment Fund

Another rendering of Main Street for after the entire property is completed.
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Essdras M Suarez/ Globe Staff

A photograph of the future Assembly Row site in Somerville from last year.
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